On the concluding day of the World Book Fair 2025, held in at Bharat Mandapam / Pragati Maidan New Delhi from February 1 to February 9, the book “Ishq Sufiyana: untold stories of divine love” by young writer and intellectual Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi was officially launched.
Ishq Sufiyana: Untold Stories of Divine Love / by Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi / image: blueroseone.com
The book launch ceremony took place at Stall No. 12 in Hall No. 6, with several distinguished personalities in attendance.
Notable figures present at the event included Kamlesh Sharma, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth and former Indian Ambassador to the United Nations (New York and Geneva), Padma Shri Professor Iqbal Hasnain, former Vice-Chancellor of Calicut University, Professor Madhu Khanna, former Director of the Department of Comparative Religions and Spirituality, Jamia Millia Islamia, Dr. Shahid Rasool, Dean of Academics at the Central University of Kashmir, Dr. Anita Benjamin, Founding Director of the Rashtriya Christian Mahasangh, Farooq Wani, Chief Editor of the daily Brighter Kashmir, Syed Abid Gowhar, renowned broadcaster and journalist from Jammu & Kashmir, Tasleema Akhtar, human rights activist, Tahmeena Rizvi, researcher, Dr. Rachika Arora, Syed Affan Yasawi, among others.
During this vibrant event, all the distinguished guests shared their thoughts about the book and its author. Ishq Sufiyana is a unique blend of reality and imagination. It creatively presents the real-life stories of thirty renowned Sufi saints of India.
The book among other Sufi intellects also highlights four revered saints and spiritual figures from the Kashmir Valley, Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA), Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (Nund Rishi) (RA), Sheikh Hamza Makhdum (RA) and Lal Ded (Lalla Arifa)
Additionally, Ishq Sufiyana includes a collection of narratives based on Sufism, ethics, and spirituality, many of which have been previously published in various newspapers and journals. The book aims to inspire seekers of all religions and spiritual traditions to dive into the ocean of divine love. The values and teachings of the personalities featured in the book remain relevant today, helping individuals grasp the depths of divine love that transcend worldly boundaries.
Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi is a well-known Sufi scholar, researcher, critic, speaker, and author based in Delhi. He is fluent in Urdu, Arabic, and Persian and is a trained scholar in Indo-Islamic traditions. He has received in-depth education and training in various spiritual orders, particularly the Naqshbandi, Qadiri, and Chishti Sufi traditions.
He has also undergone spiritual training and initiation under Turkish-origin Naqshbandi Sufi Sheikh Ashraf Effendi (Founder of Sufi Land, Germany). Pir Zia Inayat Khan (Global Head of the Inayati Chishti Sufi Order), American Sufi guide Pir Shabda Khan (Director, Sufism International, USA). He has studied under several esteemed Sufi scholars and spiritual elders in India. Recently, he was invited as a scholar-in-residence at the Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship (Philadelphia) and the Awliya Council of North America (New York, USA).
He has also served as an advisor on Islamic affairs for the National Security Council Secretariat, New Delhi.
Moreover, he has participated as a permanent representative of UN-affiliated NGOs at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
The author is also an independent writer, poet, translator, and commentator.
source: http://www.brighterkashmir.com / Brighter Kashmir / Home> Breaking News / by Abid Gowhar / image of publication edited by blueroseone.com / February 12th, 2025
Cemeteries representing Patna’s chronicle of history and heritage are dying a slow death
Unkept Legacy: The grave of Shahzada Karim Shah, the great-grandson of Tipu Sultan.
Like every other city, Patna also owes, to an extent, its cultural and literary existence to the courtesans who blended with the local society and provided it with a new dimension. One among them was Allah Jilai, who had settled in Patna from Allahabad. She was considered a gorgeous woman and sported a honey-dipped voice which had an arresting power. While visiting Calcutta, she developed a terminal illness. She was barely 24 when she died in 1918 and was buried in the Pakki Dargah Muslim graveyard. Her tombstone with 12 lines of Urdu couplets helped in figuring out her biographical information. Had there been no tombstone one would have never known her existence in Patna and the services that she rendered to the city.
Patna, other than being the capital of Bihar, served as a home to multiple cultures, identities, art forms and families. Today, the city has almost lost the reminders of its glorious past. But a few graves still stand as reminiscent of a bygone era. These tombs, or time capsules, where hundreds of stories remain buried, are largely deserted, ignored and unknown.
Bihar is home to more than 9,272 graveyards, according to the government’s estimate. The Bihar government planned to fence these cemeteries, and in 2022-2023, a total of Rs 93.74 crore was approved for this purpose, while an additional amount of Rs 1.25 crore was set aside for the same. According to Bihar Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, the fencing of about 7,647 graveyards has been completed, and the remaining will be done shortly.
In addition to the 9,272 cemeteries, Bihar also has a sizable number of privately-owned graveyards maintained by the families of former nobles, aristocrats, zamindars, jagirdars and nawabs. Thus, the overall number of burial grounds in Bihar would be close to 10,000. Moreover, several Christian cemeteries are located in Patna.
Further east on Ashok Rajpath, one can find the Gurhatta cemetery which chronicles the gruesome massacre of the British prisoners at the house of Haji Ahmad Ali in 1763 at the command of Mir Qasim, the nawab of Bengal.
The tomb of Mir Mohammad Naseer, the father of the first Nawab of Awadh Photo: Ali Fraz Rezvi
Padri Ki Haveli is the final resting place of people from Armenia, Portugal, France, Persia, Italy and the UK. In a sense, this place is a symbol of international harmony. Here, one can find a Jewish grave next to a Chinese, and a Greenlander adjacent to a Mozambican.
Near Patna Ghat Railway Station is the Danish Kothi—established in 1775—signifying the presence of Denmark in Patna in the past. It was the house of Jorgen Hendrich Berner (1735-1790), Chief of the Danish Factory in Patna, who was buried on the premises as demonstrated by his tombstone. There are at least three more tombs here which are bereft of inscriptions. Later, the Kothi became the residence of the station master of Patna Ghat, and is at present, the office of the store in-charge of railway electrification.
The Lost Glamour
While Zohra Bai, the queen of thumri, remains buried within the campus of Rauza Masjid at Maharaj Ganj, Haider Jaan, Najban, Ramzu, and Chhottan were also the tawaifs (courtesans) whose presence had made Patna a lively place.
These courtesans participated in religious activities as well, and the existence of the Imambara at Chowk is a living example of their dedication towards such pious endeavours.
As we move towards the eastern corner of the city, another story lies buried in the deadlands of Begumpur.
Father of a Persecuted Son
Popularly known as Nawab Shaheed Ka Maqbara among the locals, is the tomb of Ihteram-ud-Daula Nawab Zain-ud-Deen Ahmad Khan Bahadur Haibat Jung, the father of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula of Bengal. Nawab Haibat Jung successfully defended Patna during the Maratha attacks but was later murdered by the Afghan rebels. His wife and children were imprisoned when he was killed.
The tomb of this martyr lies deserted in Begumpur, guarded by Dashrath Gope Yadav who comes at dawn and leaves by dusk. “The tomb, mosque and the several acres of land belong to the State Waqf Board which is least interested in the property unless there’s a chance to sell,” says Dashrath, as he cleans the interiors of the tomb. The place also had an Imambara which used to host majlises during the month of Muharram in the presence of Raja Ram Narain, the then deputy governor of Bihar.
Padri Ki Haveli is the final resting place of people from Armenia, Portugal, France, Persia, italy and the UK. it is a symbol of international harmony.
Dashrath has devoted 45 years of his life to this tomb of Nawab Shaheed. “This place had a dense jungle and I cleared it all on my own. No one from the Waqf Board or the caretakers helped me. There was no roof at this tomb, so I went around begging in the streets of Patna so that there could be a roof at the grave,” he says.
Affectionately, he calls Nawab Haibat Jung as Data Sahib—a term usually used for Sufis. Dashrath believes that he is at peace and his children are married because of the blessings of Nawab Haibat Jung.
This is not the only case of a burial place turning into a mazar. While he is aware of Nawab Haibat Jung and the history, another tomb in the city’s centre has been converted into a Sufi shrine by the people unaware of the person buried inside.
Nawab Munir-ud-Daula Raza Quli Khan Bahadur Nadir Jung, a minister of Mughal emperor Shah Alam, was the founder of the Patna Bhiknapahari and Bhagalpuri families. He was instrumental in obtaining a grant from the emperor for the East India Company and assisting the reappointment of Shuja-ud-Daula to the Vizarat. He remained in charge of Korah and Allahabad until a little before his death in Benares on October 11, 1773. Later, his corpse was transported to Patna, where he was laid to rest.
His tomb, embracing a Persian inscription of eight lines, is located west of the Government Hospital in Patna. The vicinity is collectively known as Bawli. The grave is located on a raised platform of about four feet from the ground level and enclosed by intricate lattice designs of stone.
Surprisingly, his grave has lately attained the status of a Sufi shrine where devotees of all faiths converge to venerate him. His followers used to organise a majlis (a religious discourse to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussan, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad) at his shrine during Muharram. It is imperative to observe how the mausoleum of an astute politician is providing spiritual respite to everyone and is acting as a melting pot of different cultural, religious and ethnic affiliations, thereby bridging the communal and sectarian divides.
The Awadh Connection
Mir Mohammad Naseer Nishapuri was the father of the first Nawab of Awadh, Mir Mohammad Amin. Being a descendant of the Seventh Shiite Imam, Musa Kazim—a progeny of Prophet Mohammad—he was considered among the nobles. He along with his eldest son, Mir Mohammad Baqar, reached India in the reign of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah and settled in Patna, where he was provided with subsistence allowance by Murshid Quli Khan, the governor of Bengal, at the recommendation of his son-in-law, Shuja Khan, who also had his roots in Persia.
When his son, also named Mir Mohammad Amin (Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk), came to Patna in 1708-09, his father had already passed away and was buried in a cemetery. Subsequently, both brothers, Mir Mohammad Amin and Mohammad Baqar, in search of employment, set out for Delhi in the beginning of 1709.
The tomb of Nishapuri is located to the north of Patna City Railway Station. It borders the Kachchhi Bagh Cemetery and the nearest landmark is the now-defunct Pradeep Lamp Factory. It lies in a roofless rectangular enclosure, supported by ornamental arches and turrets of small heights. There are remains of flower motifs on the walls. The intricate stone lattice work on the arches has disappeared and the horizontal beams supporting the enclosure have also fallen at places due to the absence of proper maintenance. There is a garage in the vicinity which is using the site as its dumping ground, thereby causing further damage to it. Moreover, the overgrowth of trees and shrubs is also playing its notorious role to damage the place. This neglected heritage, which should have been a symbol of Patna’s glorious past and its royal association with Awadh, is counting its final days.
Several tombs are scattered across the city of Patna; some are fortunate to bear a name or a tombstone while the others remain deserted and ignored.
When Safdar Jung visited Patna in 1742 to support Ali Vardi Khan to push the Marathas out, he paid a visit to the grave of his maternal ancestor and recited the Quranic verses or Fatiha to his soul. It was at his instance the walled enclosure and latched screen (carved jaalis) were built around the burial place.
The aforesaid site had an attached Imambara where Muharram majlis were held, but nothing remains now. The disappearance of such heritage is swiftly obliterating the past of the city and disconnecting the cultural thread which joins several eras.
The Prince of Mysore
Among all the legendary personalities buried in the city, there exists a chapter of Mysore’s history in an unimaginable grave at Meetanghat, Patna. In the compound of Khanqah Bargah-e-Ishq Takiya Shareef—where rests the great Sufi mystic and poet of the 18th century, Shah Rukn-ud-Din Ishq Azimabadi—exists the burial place of Shahzada Karim Shah, the great-grandson of Tipu Sultan.
He was a man of mystic inclination and was thus affiliated to the Khanqah of Hazrat Ishq Azimabadi, through his pir, Syed Shah Khwaja Amjad Hussain Saheb. He died in Patna in 1915, and Shamshad, a poet, composed a Persian inscription of 10 lines for his tombstone.
He was a man of mystic inclination and was thus affiliated to the Khanqah of Hazrat Ishq Azimabadi, through his pir, Syed Shah Khwaja Amjad Hussain Saheb. He died in Patna in 1915, and Shamshad, a poet, composed a Persian inscription of 10 lines for his tombstone.
There exists as a cemetery of history in Bihar—the grave of Shahzada Mirza Zubair-ud-Deen Bahadur Gorgani, the grandson of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, at Darbhanga or the tomb of Yusuf Shah Chak, the Sultan of Kashmir who reigned from 1578 to 1586, and was exiled by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He along with his family members now rest in Biswak, Nalanda. Furthermore, Mahmud Shah, the fourth king of the Hussain Shahi dynasty of Bengal, died in 1538 AD in Kahalgaon (previously spelled Colgong), Bhagalpur, and was buried there. Similarly, Hussain Shah, the last king of the Sharqi dynasty of Jaunpur, took refuge at Kahalgaon and died there, and Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur dynasty, lies buried in Sasaram. Sadly, Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is busy presenting a model of development upon the ruins of Patna’s heritage, while these graves representing the chronicle of history are dying a slow death.
Syed Faizan Raza is the area representative of the British Association For Cemeteries In South Asia
Ali Fraz Rezvi is an independent journalist, theatre artist and a student of preventive conservation
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> National / by Syed Faizan Raza and Ali Fraz Rizvi / Novmber 04th, 2023
Former Deputy Mayor of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Mohammed Kunjathbail, known for his contributions as social activist, died following a heart attack on Saturday morning. He was 60.
His body is kept at his house in Kunjathbail for people to pay respects.
Kunjathbail, who was a bachelor, had been elected to the Corporation three times and was an active member of the Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee. He had also contributed to the works of the All India Beary Sahitya Parishat.
Muneer Katipalla, social activist and convener of the Toll Gate Virodhi Horata Samithi, expressed shock and sorrow at the demise of Kunjathbail. “The Samiti has lost a prominent leader with the untimely death of Kunjathbail, who always worked for the welfare of the people. He also remained untainted till the end, given that he never faced any corruption charges,” Katipalla said.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / March 08th, 2025
In a historic moment, Hamza Hussain and Altaf Hussain, two brothers serving in Karnataka’s law enforcement, have been honored with the President’s Award for Meritorious Service on India’s 76th Republic Day.
Hamza Hussain, Superintendent of Police (S.P.) Commandant, 12th Battalion, KSRP, Tumkur, has been recognized for his leadership in critical police operations and public safety. His brother, Altaf Hussain, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) at Wilson Garden Police Station, Bangalore, has played a vital role in crime prevention and community policing.
The award, one of the highest honors in Indian law enforcement, acknowledges their dedication, integrity, and commitment to justice. Their achievement is a proud moment for Karnataka and the nation, inspiring future generations of police officers.
The brothers expressed their gratitude, stating, “This award is a tribute to all officers who tirelessly serve the nation. We dedicate it to our department, colleagues, and family for their unwavering support.”
Their recognition on Republic Day underscores their exceptional service in upholding law and order, marking a milestone in Karnataka’s police history.
source: http://www.islamicvoice.com / Islamic Voice / Home> Cover Story / Vol. 37-03, No. 448 March 2025
Maulana S M Rabey Hasani Nadwi, Rector Nadwatul Ulama and President All India Muslim Personal Law Board, was a distinguished scholar of Islam. He was a man of literature and composition.
He passed away on April 13 in Lucknow.
Scion of an illustrious Syed family that produced a host of scholars, thinkers and spiritual preceptors like Shah Alamullah Hasani (d.1685), Syed Ahmad Shaheed (d.1831), Hakeem Syed Abdul Hai Hasani (1923), Dr Syed Abdul Ali Hasani (d.1961 ), Syed Muhammad Al- Hasani (1979), Syed Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi (d.1999), Maulana S M Wazeh Rasheed Nadwi (d.2019) and so on.
Almighty Allah bestowed upon Maulana Rabey extraordinary knowledge and wisdom. His multifaceted genius can be discussed in various ways. Maulana Rabey was a great Islamic scholar, a thinker, an educationist, a historian, a litterateur, a theologian, a teacher, a reformer, an orator, a journalist, a jurist, a writer, a philanthropist, a biographer of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a spokesman of the poor and the like.
He was a true replica of his predecessor Maulana S Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi. He was Maulana Ali Miyan’s nephew and a confidante for several decades.
Maulana Dr Abdullah Abbas Nadwi writes, “Sheikh Rabey was with Sheikh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi at all times, whether at home or during a journey. He represented Sheikh Nadwi on many occasions and spoke on his behalf. If Sheikh Nadwi accepted any responsibility, it was Sheikh Rabey who was to implement it.
He further says, “Maulana Rabey’s looks had become like that of Sheikh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi.”
Education qualifications
Maulana Rabey was born in 1929 at Takiya Kalan, Raebareli, U.P. He had his elementary education at home and got higher education at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow. Eminent personalities like Maulana S Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, Maulana Mohammad Shah Haleem Ata, Maulana Mufti Mohammad Saeed, Maulana Syed Hameeduddin, Maulana Oais Nagrami were his teachers. After completing education at Nadwatul Ulama, he went to Deoband and became a student of Maulana Syed Husain Ahmad Madani and other distinguished Ulama there.
He also spent about one year in Hijaz (Western Saudi Arabia) where he gained considerable benefits from prominent scholars.
Career heights
Maulana Nadwi writes, “My grandfather, Syed Khaliluddin Ahmad Hasani (nephew of Syed Shah Ziaun Nabi Hasani) who was a prominent landlord had made special arrangement for my father to acquire necessary skills to take care of his personal and household needs. Thus, my father’s responsibilities were limited to taking care of matters pertaining to land and agriculture. He made our maternal uncles (Sheikh Nadwi and his older brother Dr Syed Abdul Ali Hasani) responsible for our education and upbringing.”
He derived considerable benefit and inspiration from them. In a true sense, Dr Abdul Ali planted the seed of worthiness in him and Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi nurtured it.
Undoubtedly, he was a man of noble qualities. He was a paragon of morality. He never showed egotism, pride, and haughtiness. He had a throbbing heart for the entire nation. He met everyone cheerfully.
He was kindhearted and righteous person. He possessed sturdy intellect and common sense.
The most striking aspects of his life were his istighna (expecting nothing from anyone except Allah) sincerity, simplicity, and piety. He meticulously followed Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet). Like his predecessor Maulana S Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, he led a pious and exemplary life. He was a true descendant of salaf saliheen (pious lineage).
Teacher par excellence
Maulana S M Rabey Hasani Nadwi was appointed as teacher in 1949. He was a dedicated to his profession. He was an embodiment of all sublime qualities and virtues necessary for a good teacher. His method of teaching was unprecedented.
Teaching was his sword that he wielded so effectively that very few people could match. Scores of students quenched their thirst for knowledge from him.
He left a galaxy of students behind who impart education in their respective areas. No doubt, it is an everlasting tribute to him. His myriad contributions in the field of education will always be remembered.
Rector of Nadwatul Ulama
After the demise of Maulana S Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, Maulana Rabey was elected Rector of Nadwatul Ulama in 2000. Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama made great strides in various fields of education under his rectorship. Besides various hostels, separate building for higher classes, grand halls, extension of central Mosque and Matbakh (Mess) have also been constructed under his rectorship. He dedicated his entire life to the cause of Nadwatul Ulama’s growth. He played a constructive role in Nadwa’s progress and development. His remarkable contributions and achievements in the cause of Nadwatul Ulama will always be remembered.
President of Muslim Personal Law Board
After passing away of Maulana Qazi Mujahidul Islam Qasmi, Maulana Rabey was elected the fourth President of the board on June 22, 2002. For two decades, Maulana Rabey held the post. He played a pivotal role in tackling key issues faced by the Board. Accordingly, scores of important issues have been solved during his tenure.
Truly speaking, he was an erudite scholar. The comprehensive knowledge and intellectual brilliance of Maulana Rabey had been acknowledged by his contemporaries. Because of his vast knowledge in all the religious and secular sciences, he had been entrusted with many important positions and offices, and was also conferred several prestigious awards, including President Award for his outstanding service in the arena of Arabic language and literature.
Positions held the Maulana
Rector, Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow
President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board
President, World Forum of Islamic Literature
Member of Makkah-based Muslim World League
Executive Member of Darul Uloom Deoband
Patron, Islamic Fiqh Academy, New Delhi
President ,Academy of Islamic Research and Publication, Lucknow
Patron, Maulana Azad Memorial Academy, Lucknow
Member Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (UK)
The awards
President Award in 1982 and; Shah Waliullah Award by Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi in 2015.
His writings
He was a prolific writer. He authored more than four dozen books in Arabic and Urdu. His literary work is multidimensional. His creative work is complete in itself. He wrote almost in every style in prose. His various books are included in the syllabus of different institutions including Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow. Some of his major publications are as under:
He was also an accomplished journalist. Because of his vast knowledge in all religious sciences, including jurisprudence, and a profound knowledge of different languages like Urdu, Arabic, English, Persian and the likes, he forthrightly shed light on every subject at length. Hundreds of articles are to his credit. He was a patron of five magazines published from Nadwatul Ulama.
The passing away of Maulana Rabey Nadwi is also a personal loss to me. Like his younger brother Maulana S.M.Wazeh Rasheed Nadwi(1933-2019), he had also been a great inspiration to me. My first book, “The Plain Truth” had been released by him in 2008. He also gave Rs.5,000 to me as reward. I have been lucky enough that my latest book, “Islam and Education” was also released by him on March 21, 2023 at Guest House of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama.
The most surprising event was his last journey. His funeral prayer was led twice. The first funeral prayer was led by Dr Saeedur Rahman Azami Nadwi at Nadwa and the second was led by Maulana S Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi at Takia Kalan. He was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard at Takia Kalan, Rai Bareli.
Dr Obaidur Rahman Nadwi is a faculty member of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured Articles / by Dr Obaidur Rahman Nadwi / May 13th, 2023
In the heart of Meghalaya, where Christianity is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, Syedullah Nongrum stands as a prominent figure, embracing both his Khasi and Muslim identities.
As the General Secretary of the Shillong Muslim Union (SMU) for the past three decades, Nongrum has played a pivotal role in safeguarding and uplifting the Muslim community while fostering interfaith harmony.
Founded in 1905, the Shillong Muslim Union (SMU) holds a legacy older than the All India Muslim League, which was established a year later in 1906. The union has had a long history of leadership, with none other than India’s former President, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, serving as its first president in 1964.
Madina Mosque, Shillong, Meghalaya
“I had extensive discussions with the former President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed about the welfare of the Muslim community in Meghalaya,” Nongrum recalls. Determined to revive the organization, his first step was to set up a dedicated office in Shillong. Over the years, he has worked relentlessly to protect and enhance SMU’s assets, ensuring its service to all communities, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.
When Nongrum took over in 1982, SMU’s properties were in disarray, and opportunists had begun to take advantage of the situation. “The guest house and orphanage were dilapidated, and the Idgah ground was in terrible shape,” he says.
Determined to transform these neglected assets into centers of growth and learning, Nongrum spearheaded the construction of Madina Masjid, the only glass mosque in India.
This magnificent structure in Shillong is not just a place of worship, it also has an Islamic learning center; houses a school for underprivileged children, and a higher education college with modern facilities in science, arts, and technology.
Syedullah Nongrum (third from left) with former Nagaland Governor RN Ravi (second from right)
Beyond Shillong, SMU has successfully sponsored four other mosques and multiple graveyards in different districts of Meghalaya.
Nongrum, son of Subartan Bibi Nongrum and Late S.K. Abdullah, hails from the state’s oldest Khasi-Muslim family. The son of Late Subartan Bibi Nongrum and Late S.K. Abdullah, he holds a unique place in Meghalaya’s political landscape.
He is the only tribal Muslim to have been elected to the Meghalaya State Assembly, representing Rajabala constituency since 1993. He has served as a cabinet minister, advocating for the rights and development of his people.
A painting of President APJ Abdul Kalam inside the Madina mosque library
His contributions extend to education. He played a crucial role in establishing Umshyrpi College which has over 3,500 students. “We ensure that education reaches the underprivileged, regardless of their community or background,” he emphasizes.
For Nongrum, SMU is not just an institution for Muslims—it is a platform for all communities. His vision transcends religious boundaries, as reflected in his role as a founder member of the Shillong All Faith Forum, a collective that promotes communal harmony and mutual understanding among different religious groups.
“We follow the traditions of the land. As an obedient Khasi Muslim, I am committed to carrying forward the good work for the betterment of Meghalaya,” Nongrum asserts.
His journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and inclusivity. In a region where identities are often defined by religion and ethnicity, Syedullah Nongrum has emerged as a bridge between communities rooted in their respective cultures.
(The writer is an independent journalist based in North East India)
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Jhumur Deb, Shillong / Februarty 26th, 2025
The Southern India Plywood Manufacturers’ Association (SIPMA) held its General Body Meeting on February 22, 2025, bringing together industry leaders and experts to discuss key issues affecting the plywood sector.
The meeting, held in Bangalore, focused on crucial matters such as the QCO order, sustainability initiatives, emission norms, and industry standards. Discussions also included labour welfare and modernization efforts aimed at improving productivity in the sector.
A major highlight of the meeting was the election of new office bearers. Dr. Prashant MA was elected as the President of SIPMA. He is currently the Director of AK Apple Ply, a company founded by the late M. Ahmed in 1984. Originally from Kochi, Dr. Prashant has been associated with AK Apple Ply for over three decades, having joined the company in the 1990s. He gained valuable experience under the mentorship of M. Ahmed and played a key role in expanding the company’s operations. Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Prashant acknowledged the vision of his late mentor and said he was honored to take on the responsibility of leading SIPMA to serve the plywood industry.
Alongside Dr. Prashant, Jitendra R Patel, Managing Director of Raaj Wood Products in Nelamangala, was elected as Vice President, and K. Hariraya Kamath from Karnataka Plywood in Sullia, Karnataka, was appointed as Secretary.
During the event, SIPMA also recognized the contributions of industry veteran Siraj Bhai of Veneer Mills by presenting him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A member of SIPMA since 1980, he has dedicated his career to the growth of the plywood sector and has been actively involved in its development.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / February 25th, 2025
A ‘family get-together’ will be organized at Al Qusais Amity School in Dubai on Saturday, February 15, under the auspices of the UAE ‘Sahebaan’ community.
‘Sahebaan’ is an Urdu-speaking Muslim community from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
This ‘Family Get-Together’ will be held from 4 PM to 11 PM, and several programs will take place during this time, said program organizer and patron H.M. Afroz Assadi.
He stated that a felicitation program will be held to recognize children studying in the UAE who have scored more than 90% marks, as well as those who have achieved success in sports.
The chief guests of the event will be ‘Sahebaan’ community leaders, businessman and Hidayat Group President Hidayatullah Abbas, non-resident businessman, Philanthropist and owner of Nash Engineering Company in Dubai K.S. Nisar Ahmed, along with several other dignitaries.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 12th, 2025
Muhammad Ashif Karnire, CEO of Saudi Arabia-based Expertise Contracting Company Limited, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Global Beary of Business Youth Icon’ award at the Beary Mela 2025. The event was held on Sunday at the Etisalat Academy Grounds under the auspices of the Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), UAE.
Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, Indian Ambassador to Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan, State Hajj Minister Rahim Khan, Bengaluru Shanthi Nagar MLA NA Haris. Vice-President of the Government’s Non-Resident Indian Directorate Dr. Aarti Krishna, social worker Dr. Ronald Colaco, Thumbay Group founder president Dr. Thumbay Moideen, renowned non-resident Indian businessman and CEO of Al Muzain, Saudi Arabia, Zakaria Jokatte, Expertise Contracting Limited Director K.S. Sheikh Karnire, UAE Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) UAE Unit President Hidayat Addoor and others were present on the occasion.
The award recognized Muhammad Ashif Karnire’s exceptional contributions to the industry and his outstanding achievements. Karnire, who heads the prestigious Expertise company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, had previously been honoured in 2021 by Dr. Ausaf Saeed, the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, for his community services and professional excellence.
Founded in 2008, Expertise is a leading industrial services provider in Saudi Arabia, employing over 15,000 professionals and operating more than 7,500 pieces of equipment. The company serves a wide range of industries, including petrochemicals, oil and gas, fertilizers, steel, cement, water treatment, and power generation. Headquartered in Jubail Industrial City, Expertise has established a strong presence with branches across Saudi Arabia.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 14th, 2025
Doctorates awarded for transformative contributions to Medical Education, Healthcare Innovation
Dubai, UAE :
Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, has been awarded two distinguished honorary doctorates in recognition of his outstanding contributions to medical education, healthcare innovation, and philanthropy. The accolades were conferred by Chitkara University, India, and Fergana Medical Institute of Public Health, Uzbekistan, further solidifying his impact on the global healthcare landscape.
At a grand ceremony held at Chitkara University, Chandigarh, India, Dr. Moideen was conferred with the Doctor of Literature (D.Litt) Honoris Causa for his exemplary leadership in advancing medical education, pioneering healthcare initiatives, and fostering innovation in the sector. The award acknowledges his relentless commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and shaping future generations of medical professionals.
Additionally, Fergana Medical Institute of Public Health, Uzbekistan, honored Dr. Moideen with an Honorary Doctorate, celebrating his visionary role in international healthcare collaborations and his dedication to fostering academic excellence in the medical field.
With these latest honors, Dr. Moideen now holds a total of four honorary doctorates, a testament to his remarkable leadership and visionary contributions.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Thumbay Moideen stated, “I am deeply honored to receive these prestigious recognitions. This is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the unwavering commitment of the entire Thumbay Group towards transforming healthcare and medical education globally. We will continue to push boundaries in innovation, ensuring accessible, high-quality healthcare and education for all.”
Driving Forward Thumbay Group’s Vision 2028, With these accolades further fueling his mission, Dr. Moideen is steadfast in leading Thumbay Group’s Vision 2028, a strategic roadmap aimed at making Thumbay Group a global leader in healthcare, medical education, research, and wellness innovation.
Through his visionary leadership, Dr. Thumbay Moideen continues to turn this ambitious vision into reality, ensuring that Thumbay Group remains at the forefront of healthcare and education innovation. With its rapid expansion and digital transformation strategies, Thumbay Group is on track to achieving and further cementing its status as a global powerhouse in healthcare and education. His relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with a commitment to social impact, is driving the group’s expansion and shaping the future of the industry.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / March 03rd, 2025
